Simborio said Phivolcs is monitoring the area, as the series of minor earthquakes there in the past week indicates possible activity or movement of the still-unnamed fault.

He, however, urged the public to keep calm and prepare for any eventuality.

“Communities concerned must prepare accordingly and avoid panicking,” he said. “Knowing how to duck, cover, and hold, as well as assembling emergency kits, are among earthquake preparations people must do.”

Phivolcs data show a magnitude 3.1 earthquake at struck at 5:46 p.m. on Thursday, 10 kilometers southwest of Valencia, the municipality that’s also called Luzurriaga and located in Negros Oriental’s south-lying third district.

The earthquake was felt at intensity 3 in Bacong and Valencia towns and at intensity 2 in Dumaguete City and Dauin town.